Surrey Christmas Bureau’s Toy Depot opens Nov. 9 for donations of in-demand items and money

Surrey Christmas Bureau is stepping up efforts to support local families and children during the holidays. Its Toy Depot opens for in-person donations on Monday, Nov. 9, at 13665 102 Ave. in Whalley, at a former Canadian Tire store. The bureau is seeking new, unwrapped toys; gently used coats and clothing; Christmas decorations; household items; and money.

“With the need for holiday assistance remaining exceptionally high, we are calling on the Surrey community, local businesses, schools, and organizations to come together to support children and families experiencing financial hardship,” program co-ordinator Karmin Dhindsa said. The Surrey Christmas Bureau, considered the largest Christmas charity in B.C., helped more than 2,084 families in 2025. Dhindsa said close to $288,000 in groceries and meals supplemented the bureau’s distribution of toys, books, bikes and clothing.

High-demand items this year include baby and toddler toys, as well as gifts for teens such as makeup, personal hygiene products, hair straighteners and styling tools, sports equipment, electronics and headphones. Gift cards for restaurants and retailers are also sought. Dhindsa said toys remain the Toy Depot’s main focus, but the bureau welcomes a wider range of donations to support families with different needs.

Online donations are key to the bureau’s grocery hamper program. Through Adopt-A-Family, sponsors are matched with a local family in need and provide personalized food and gift support to help make Christmas brighter.

The Surrey Christmas Bureau has been active for 45 years. The organization says it could not do its work without the community’s generosity; every donation, whether a toy, warm coat, gift card or financial contribution, makes a meaningful difference to local families.

Donation drop-off hours at the Toy Depot are Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can also be taken to participating Surrey fire halls. For details, email coordinator@christmasbureau.com or call 604-581-9623.